Discover the Story of Rail…
Waterford Suir Valley Railway brings the magic of rails golden age to life in Kilmeadan, Co Waterford. A heritage narrow gauge railway follows the 10km of the abandoned Waterford – Dungarvan railway line, from the station at Kilmeadan, Co Waterford to Bilberry in Waterford City running beside the Waterford Greenway.
Kilmeadan Station, closed to passengers in 1967, has been beautifully restored with the original coping stones on the platform and the original Kilmeaden Station sign from 1878. A Mark 2 Railway Carriage serves as the ticket office. The rolling stock includes a Simplex diesel locomotive that was built to operate in the peat industry and later used when digging out the channel tunnel. The carriages which have both closed in and partially opened seats were specially built for the Waterford Suir Valley Railway with seating capacity for up to 80 passengers.
When you buy your ticket, you are assigned to a compartment. Each one is named after a station on the original Waterford, Dungarvan & Lismore Railway. On boarding the train, the conductor will ask your name and escort you to your compartment. When everyone is safely on board, he blows the whistle to set off on an exciting journey beside Waterford Greenway.
Travelling at 15km per hour, experience the beauty of the Suir Valley from a partially opened carriage as you take in the panoramic views of the river and rolling farmland of Waterford and across the river to County Kilkenny. The track runs mostly along the picturesque banks of the River Suir and beside Waterford Greenway. You get a glimpse in to the famous Mount Congreve Gardens. This is an area rich in history and only accessible by train or Waterford Greenway.
Children enjoy the Magic Wood, a magical glade where Fairies live. Sometimes they can be seen among the trees but you have to look carefully. Make a wish as you pass by. The scheduled trip is a 12km return journey from Kilmeadan to Carriganore lasting 40 minutes.
When you check in to the Ticket Office you will be given a map of the route and a treasure hunt sheet for children to complete while waiting for the train and during the journey. You can enjoy refreshments from the Whistlestop Café before or after your train trip.
Take the time to discover the Story of Rail on five storyboards around Kilmeadan Station. The stories are both surprising and fascinating.
Waterford & Suir Valley Railway is a community heritage project with charitable status Ref : Chy 13857. It is mainly operated by volunteers with support from people on government-backed job training schemes. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South East of Ireland. Special events are held throughout the year with updates available on the website.
Summer Time Table
April & Sept May to August
Monday to Saturday 11am – 3pm 11am – 4pm
Sunday 12noon – 4pm 12noon – 5pm
Trips depart on the hour.
Bookings taken for school tours, active retirement clubs, social clubs and other groups, otherwise tickets are sold on a first come basis.
Prices
Adult €10 Child €5.00 Student/Golden Years €9
Family : 1 child €24.00 2 children €28.00 3 children €32.00 4 children €34.00
Directions
From Waterford City take the R680 to Kilmeaden ( 10km). Drive through the village following signs for Cork. At Carrick Road Roundabout take second exit on to the R680, Carrick on Suir Road. Kilmeadan Station is on the left.
Alternatively take N25 toward Cork. At Carrick Road Roundabout take last exit (3rd Exit) on to R680. Kilmeadan Station is on the left.
From Cork direction at Carrick Road Roundabout exit left on to R680. Kilmeadan Station is on the left.
On Site Facilities
Whistlestop Café
Ticket office and gift shop
Car park for cars and coaches
Toilets
Disabled access
Special Events
February Mid – Term Break – Open daily at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm (Mon – Sat ), 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm (Sun. )
Easter Bunny Express – Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Sunset Express – Each Thursday in July and August at 7pm
October/November – Spooky Express. Open daily for Mid – Term Break at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm (Mon – Sat.)
12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm (Sun. )
